Interview
We recently had a chance to sit down with Renee D. Jennings, CEO and Founder R. Media Group located in New York City. Renee formed R. Media Group in June 2008. The company specializes in all aspects of public relations, event planning and promotions. Her projects have included, Meeting in the Ladies Room: "Flashing Lights & Lip-Gloss" event, Belle-Noir’s Curves and Cocktails, Tiffany Braxton Belvin's Miss Black Queens, NY USA Pageant, and Kiss the Curves. Recently, we had a chance to interview Renee and get some more insight on what really goes on behind the scenes of a PR firm and find out more about her in general.
Renee Jennings 'Money Never Sleeps' Interview
Photo by Michaela Dalzell
Hi Renee, glad you could take time out of your busy schedule and give sizeissexy.com a true look into what it takes to run a successful public relations firm. First, tell us about how R. Media Group came to be?
R. Media Group was born at the very end of 2008/early 2009 as an entertainment writing firm. My background is Hip-Hop. From 16 years of age I was interviewing A-List celebrities in high school. I always sought after something to call my own. I went from freelance journalism to creating my own online radio show to deciding to start this firm where musicians could get an affordable media kit and biography. It worked out well for awhile but I was approached by Blissful Elegance Events founder, Denise Best about handling PR for one of her events and I obliged. I never had any formal training in PR but when you are in the industry, some things come naturally and through experiences. I’ve always been a great communicator and though I have never deemed myself a promoter, I have those characteristics. So doing PR for her event came naturally and thus became the brainchild of my own PR firm, R. Media Group.
How hard was it to establish a clientele list in the beginning?
Actually it was not hard at all. I have been very blessed and fortunate to have previous clients become repeat clients and with word of mouth being the best referral system, I didn’t need to advertise or solicit business. The formula is simple: Do a great job for your clients and they will do a great job talking about their success as it relates to your business. People are more inclined to work with those who are referred by a friend, colleague or family member. If someone close to them or in their immediate circle was satisfied then the potential client will want to indulge in your services as well.
What can your clients expect as far as service and dedication?
The grind never stops. This is a 365 day operation; 366 on Leap Year. R. Media Group doesn’t stop until the mission is accomplished. So there are times that I should be handling personal affairs or sleeping but I am burning the midnight oil to get a press release out or to have conference calls with my clients in other time zones. You can’t successfully run a business if you have an issue with overextending yourself; especially when you are just starting out. The key is not to burn out. Balance is essential and I try to tell my clients the same thing. I am motivated by the response I receive when I am able to garner an opportunity for them that they have wanted. It makes the sacrifices I make in my personal life worthwhile. My clients know the work is going to get done and my word is legitimate.
Say a client is just starting off and needs to get their name out there, how would you go about doing that and what kind price range would they be looking at…generally speaking?
The first step in getting a client exposure is branding. You need to become conspicuous and stand out from your competition. Most of my clients have already started this process when they come to me by already having precise logos that identifies their event, organization or company. The biggest challenge for a new client is being able to get noticed. R. Media Group taps into social networking because the audience is so large that you can reach your target audience immediately. We do a lot of online blasts, which in turn is reposted by other visitors for even more exposure. We also make sure our clients have a functional media kit and press release. The press release is critical because it can either be of interest or become something that ends up in someone’s email trash if the subject matter is not newsworthy. Therefore we target media prospects strategically. Rates are contingent on the job function and terms of service. That could range anywhere from $1000 to $5000 depending on the circumstances but I am pretty flexible.
So let’s recap:
- 1.) Brand Yourself
- 2.) Promote via social networking sites
- 3.) Build a solid media kit
- 4.) Turn out newsworthy press releases and make sure they are distributed to media outlets
- 5.) Hire R. Media Group to do 1-4 and more. LOL
Based on your experience, what separates R. Media Group from other PR firms?
Results! I have worked with people who have never did an event in their entire life and together we have made it a raved about production. I do PR because I am good at it. It takes a great deal of spunk and a hustler’s ambition in some regards. I care about my clients and I maintain our personal relationship. This is a business but my clients serve as captains of this ship. So it is my job to make sure the captains have everything they need to navigate to success. They pay me for that purpose. The seas are often rugged and at times it can be difficult to maneuver but R. Media Group is committed to doing what is best for clients even if it means sacrificing my own sanity at times. I didn’t sign up to pretend that I have a business; I AM THE BUSINESS! I work for my clients who entrust me with their hopes and dreams because I understand their plight. R. Media Group was once a dream that has flourished beyond expectations. How dare I not want the same for my clients! If it means doing a payment plan, staying up until 3 AM until the press release is accurate, solidifying guests for an event, being on call 24/7, facilitating as a personal assistant, all in the midst of wearing the hat as a publicist, then so be it. You can’t get that at any other PR firm. I guarantee it!
What can we expect in the future from your amazing company?
I want to do motivational speaking tours and take my clients with me. We all have some very unique stories and it would be great to share these jewels of information that have been bestowed upon us through our personal life choices with the world. I have talked about this tour with a few other people and hope to launch it in the fall. Additionally, I am seeking interns. R. Media Group is looking to expand and this one woman show needs a few more hands on deck. I am going to be very busy in the upcoming months with events for my clients so I could use some extra help. There is really no telling what is in store for R. Media Group, as the sky is NOT the limit because even past that is Heaven! Stay tuned is all I can tell you for now.
Any clients you would like our readers to check out and look for in the upcoming months?
Absolutely! Let’s go down my roster:
Denise Best – Founder of Blissful Elegance Events is kicking off her 2010 Meeting in the Ladies Room Series with a Divas Who Brunch – Health, Wealth and Self event, March 20, 2010 at Pearl Studios in NYC. For more information, please log on to her website at: http://www.mitlr.info/.
Aja Stubbs – CEO and Founder of Belle-Noir Communications is gearing up for the 2nd Annual Curves and Cocktails event which will be held at the DUMBO Arts Center in Brooklyn, NY on May 8, 2010 from 12 Noon – 6 PM. For more details log on to http://www.curvesandcocktails.com.
Aja is also hosting her 2nd Annual Phat Poetry event at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC on May 28, 2010 from 7 PM – 9 PM. For more details visit: http://phatpoetry.com/.
Sameisha Adolph – CEO of BBW Empowerment, Inc. presents the 2nd Annual BBW Empowerment Cruise hosted by Ms. Gwen DeVoe on July 31, 2010 – August 5, 2010. The cruise leaves from Miami, Florida and will sail to Grand Cayman Island and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Guests will be treated to seminars and on ship runway showcase by Monif C. For more information visist: www.bbwempowermentcruise.com.
Michelle Wild – Owner of Michelle Wild Photography is a New York based professional photographer who has shot events such as Blissful Elegance’s Meeting in the Ladies Room, Curves and Cocktails, Jim Norton's Roast at Caroline's Comedy Club, Aviation Foundation at the Yale Club, Give-N-Take Networking Events, Motivators and Creators’ Body Mind and Spirit Expo. With over ten years of experience as a photographer, Michelle is dedicated to creating lasting memories through her lens. From corporate events or professional photo shoots, Michelle delivers! For more information check her out at: www.mwildphotography.com.
Tracie Collins – CEO and Founder of Kiss the Curves: The First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala in the Bay just finished an amazing event and is already preparing for Kiss the Curves – Hollywood Kiss which will be February 5, 2011 in Oakland and Kiss the Curves – Caribbean Kiss will be in Barbados tentatively, as details are still being discussed. She is looking for new plus-size designers and models to showcase. For more information log on to www.kissthecurves.com.
David A. McKnight – is the CEO and Founder of DAMstyle, an image consultant and stylist firm in New York City. David started DAMstyle in 2006 and has built a roster of high-profile clients. He has been featured in the New York Post, Blogher.com, The Wall Street Journal’s Marketwatch.com and various other print and online publications. Did I mention he has styled and managed numerous shows for New York’s Fashion Week? For all your image consultant and stylist needs visit: www.DAMstyle.com.
Recently I signed Corinthia Peoples Designs. Corinthia has some amazing Gemstone and Sterling Silver pieces that can accentuate any outfit. She is able to combine classic art with modern trends for a piece that is exquisitely beautiful. Visit her at: www.corinthiapeoples.com.
I have to mention some of my previous clients that include, Ms. New York Plus America, Tiffany Braxton Belvin, Plus-Size Blogger and eponymous boutique owner, Marie Denee, Producer, Johnny Prince, Social Media and Community Manager, Sabrina Espinal, The Curvy Collective – A media division of Full Figured Fashion Week and so many others. Each of these people from my previous and current roster made an impact in the success of R. Media Group. They are very much apart of my success.
How can our readers or potential clients go about contacting you?
Email is the best way to reach me...reneejennings@rmediagroup.com. If you are contacting me in regards to my services, please send me detailed info on what you are looking for and I will get back to you expeditiously.
Renee, thank you so much for your time and we wish you all the best! For more please visit: www.rmediagroup.com. Also, we understand your birthday is March 1st…from all of us at Size is Sexy HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
